Print Page | Contact Us | Sign In
What's Going On Podcast

What's Going On Podcast

On the NASDTEC What's Going On... podcast we talk with jurisdiction, local education agency (LEA), and educator preparation program (EPP) leaders about current initiatives, new or ongoing, within that state, school district or preparation program that NASDTEC members may find interesting.

New podcasts are released periodically. To stay up to date, please subscribe to the What's Going On... podcast through your Apple or Google podcasting apps or downloading the Podbean app from either the Apple Store or Google Play. On the app you use, simply search for NASDTEC.

NASDTEC would love to hear from you. Please contact Jimmy Adams so we can discuss the initiative you have and share it with others.


Table of Contents








What‘s Going On In Massachusetts with Brian Devine

Release Date: December 21, 2021

In this episode we are talking with Brian Devine, the Director of Educator Licensure in the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. We review the various policies that were implemented during the pandemic to help school districts, educators and prospective educators with regards to licensure and review the components that have remained in place for the 2021-22 school year. Brian can be reached at BrianJ.Devine@mass.gov.


As part of our partnership with the American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA) for the National Educator Shortage Summit, the next four released podcasts concern teacher recruitment, retention, and the recovery of an expired license.







What's Going On in Michigan with Leah Breen

Release Date: January 4, 2022

In this episode, we talk with Leah Breen. Leah works in the Michigan Department of Education and serves as the Director of the Office of Educator Excellence. We discuss Michigan's campaign focused specifically on the ability for districts to rehire educators with expired certifications, and sponsor a waiver of some renewal requirements to attain recertification. Ms. Breen can be reached at BreenL1@michigan.gov








What‘s Going On in Kentucky with Byron Darnall

Release Date: January 18, 2022

In this episode we meet with Dr. Byron Darnall, the Associate Commissioner in the Office of Educator Licensure & Effectiveness from the state of Kentucky. Dr. Darnall discusses the GoTeachKY teacher recruitment initiative.Dr. Darnall can be reached through email at byron.darnall@education.ky.gov.








What's Going On in Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) in Louisville, KY with Dr. Aimee Green-Webb

Release Date: February 1, 2022

In this episode, Dr. Aimee Green-Webb, the Chief of Human Resources in Jefferson County Public Schools (Louisville, KY) discusses how this large urban district has bucked a national trend in recent years by lowering it’s teacher attrition rate considerably, increasing its number of new hires and diversifying its teacher workforce. Dr. Green-Webb may be contacted through email at aimee.green-webb@jefferson.kyschools.us.








What‘s Going On at the College of Southern Idaho with Christina Linder and Katie Rhodenbaugh

Release Date: February 15, 2022

In this episode Christina Linder and Katie Rhodenbaugh, from the College of Southern Idaho, discuss their work in rural teacher recruitment and retention. Christina Linder and Katie Rhodenbaugh may be reached through email at CPLinder@csi.edu and krhodenbaugh@csi.edu respectively.








What‘s Going On In Ohio with Aaron Ross

Release Date: March 1, 2022

Aaron Ross, the Director of Professional Conduct in the Ohio Department of Education, discusses a new, creative initiative called "Letters to Characters" designed to educate and inform certified personnel about the Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators. Aaron Ross can be reached at Aaron.Ross@education.ohio.gov.








What‘s Going On In Kansas with Mischel Miller

Release Date: March 15, 2022

Mischel Miller works in the Kansas State Department of Education where she serves as the Director of Teacher Licensure and Accreditation. In this episode, Dr. Miller talks about the new system for automatic renewal of teacher licenses in Kansas. Mischel Miller can be reached at mmiller@ksde.org.








What‘s Going On in Washington State with Alex Manuel

Release Date: March 29, 2022

In this episode, Alex Manuel, the former Executive Director of the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board, discusses the development of new cultural competency standards for teachers. Alex Manuel can be reached at alexandra.manuel@k12.wa.us.








What‘s Going On in Nevada with Mike Arakawa

April 12, 2022

Our guest in this episode is Mike Arakawa from Nevada. Mr. Arakawa works in the Nevada Department of Education where he serves as the Chief Compliance Investigator. In our discussion, Mr. Arakawa talks about Nevada’s use of the Statewide Central Registry to identify applicants who have had an allegation of child abuse or neglect substantiated against them. Mr. Arakawa can be reached through email at marakawa@doe.nv.gov








What‘s Going On in North Dakota Dr. Meghan Salyers and Dr. Becky Pitkin

Release Date: April 26, 2022

Dr. Meghan Salyers, the Director of Student Teaching & Accreditation in the College of Education at the University of Mary discusses the use of the Model Code of Ethics for Educators in their teacher preparation program. Meghan Salyers and Becky Pitkin can be reached at msalyers@umary.edu and rpitkin@nd.gov respectively.








What's Going On Concerning the Teacher Mobility Interstate Compact with Marcus Beauregard and Phil Rogers

Release Date: May 10, 2022

Dr. Phil Rogers, the Executive Director and CEO of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) and Marcus Beauregard, the Director of the Defense State Liaison Office with the Department of Defense, discuss the progress, current status, and the direction of the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact. Each of our guests may be contacted through email. Marcus Beauregard's email is phil.rogers@nasdtec.org








What‘s Going On in Vermont with Patrick Halladay and Andrew Prowten

Release Date: May 24, 2022

In this episode we learn how Vermont is reducing barriers for people to enter the teaching profession. Patrick Halladay, the Director of Education Quality, and Andrew Prowten, the Pre-service Education Coordinator are our guests. They can be reached through email at patrick.halladay@vermont.gov and andrew.prowten@vermont.gov.

Season 2 of What's Going On... starts September 6, 2022.

Scheduled Releases








What‘s Going On with PESBA with Lynn Hammonds and Tony Rosilez

Release Date: September 6, 2022

In this episode, Lynn Hammonds, the Director of the Professional Educator Standards Boards Association (PESBA) and Tony Rosilez, the Executive Director of the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, a member of PESBA, discuss what PESBA is, how it serves its members and how independent standards boards differ from other jurisdictions. Both Lynn and Tony can be reached through email. Lynn’s email is lynn.hammonds@nasdtec.org and Tony’s email is anthony.rosilez@tspc.oregon.gov.








What's Going On at the American Association for Employment in Education

Release Date: September 20, 2022

In this episode, Tim Neubert, the Executive Director of the for Employment in Education (AAEE) talks about AAEE's 41st Educator Supply and Demand annual report. The release date of this podcast coincides with the release date of the 2022-2023 Educator Supply and Demand survey. Mr. Neubert can be contacted through email at execdir@aaee.org.


 







What‘s Going On in Arkansas with Melissa Jacks

Release Date: October 4, 2022

In this episode, Melissa Jacks, the Educator Licensure Program Manager for the Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education discusses how Arkansas is working to break down barriers to educator licensure through their alternative assessment program.

Melissa can be contacted through her email at Melissa.Jacks@ade.arkansas.gov








What's Going On in Oregon with Tony Rosilez

Release Date: October 18, 2022

Lynn Hammonds, the Director of the Professional Educator Standards Boards Association serves as a guest host on What's Going On and she talks with Tony Rosilez, the Executive Director of the the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission. In their conversation, Tony discusses some of the actions that Oregon is taking to address the teacher shortage. Both Lynn and Tony can be reached through email. Lynn’s email is lynn.hammonds@nasdtec.org and Tony’s email is anthony.rosilez@tspc.oregon.gov.








What‘s Going On at The Teachers Salary Project (special release date)

Release Date: October 25, 2022

In this episode we talk with Ellen Sherratt, the Board President of The Teachers Salary Project. Ellen can be reached through email at info@teachersalaryproject.org.








What’s Going On in Georgia with PaQuita Morgan Concerning HBCUs

Release Date: November 1, 2022

In this episode with talk with Dr. PaQuita Morgan with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission about their HBCU Virtual Collaborative to fulfill Senate Bill (SB) 88, the Governor’s Pipeline Bill, which is aimed at promoting increased enrollment in and completion of teacher education programs. Dr. Morgan may be contacted through email at Paquita.Morgan@gapsc.com.








What‘s Going On at the National Association for the Education of Young Children

Release Date: November 15, 2022

Mary Harrill and Maria Estlund from the National Association for the Education of Young Children join us to talk about the Unifying Framework for the Early Childhood Education Profession. Mary Harrill serves as the Senior Director for Higher Education Accreditation and Program Support and Maria Estlund is the State Policy Specialist. Both guests may be contacted through email. Mary Harrill’s email is mharrill@naeyc.org and Maria Estlund’s ismestlund@naeyc.org.








What's Going On in Georgia with Bradley Golub Concerning Military Recruitment into P12 Education

Release Date: November 29, 2022

In this episode, we talk with Bradley Golub the Military Support Specialist and Program Recruiter for the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Mr. Golub tells us about the work Georgia is doing in recruiting and assisting military veterans who are interested in second careers in PreK-12 education. Through this effort, Georgia offers job fit analysis, certification counseling, guidance in finding a position, and assistance throughout the transition process.  Mr. Golub can be reached through email at bradley.golub@gapsc.com.








What's Going On at the National Center for Grow Your Own with David Donaldson

Release Date: December 13, 2022

In this episode, we talk with David Donaldson, the Managing Partner at the National Center for Grow Your Own (NCGYO) about the NCGYO, its background, and its current work. Mr. Donaldson may be contacted through email at info@ncgyo.org.








What's Going On at CAEP with Christopher Koch

Release Date: December 27, 2022

In this episode, we talk with Chris Koch from the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) where he serves as the President of CAEP. He shares the current work of CAEP and why national accreditation is important to the teaching profession and educator preparation programs. Chris may be contacted through email at christopher.koch@caepnet.org.








What‘s Going On at AAQEP with Linda McKee

Release Date: January 10, 2023

In this episode we talk with Linda McKee from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). Linda serves as the Chief Operations Officer. She may be contacted through email at l.mckee@aaqep.org.








What‘s Going On at Educators Rising with Albert Chen

Release Date: January 24, 2023

In this episode, we talk with Albert Chen the Acting Chief Executive Officer of PDK International Educators Rising, a not-for-profit organization with a community-based focus that provides Grow Your Own programming through the Educators Rising Curriculum and supporting student activities. With a presence in all 50 states, chapters are provided classroom resources along with the opportunity to attend the National Conference where members, teacher leaders, and educators from around the nation come together to showcase the skills they have gained in their education and training programs. Albert Chen may be contacted through email at ceo@pdkintl.org.








What‘s Going On in Utah with Malia Hite

Release Date: February 7, 2023

In this episode we talk with Dr. Malia Hite from the Utah State Board of Education. Malia serves as the Executive Coordinator of Educator Licensing and discusses Utah’s competency-based licensing structure which was adopted in 2020. Malia may be contacted through email at Malia.Hite@schools.utah.gov.


 







What‘s Going On in Alaska with Melody Mann, Carleen Mitchell, Lon Garrison

Release Date: February 21, 2023

In this episode we talk with Melody Mann, Executive Director at the Alaska Professional Teaching Practices Commission or PTPC, which is a division of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, Carleen Mitchell, the Deputy Director of the Alaska Public Entity Insurance, and Lon Garrison, the Executive Director of the Association of Alaska School Boards. They talk about their work training educators and bringing awareness to educator professional boundaries. Each can be reached through email. Melody's email is melody.mann@alaska.gov. Carleen's email is cmitchell@akpei.com. Lon's email is lgarrison@aasb.org.


 







WGO in Illinois with Jennifer Kirmes and Etai Mizrav - Part 1

Release Date: March 7, 2023

In this episode we start a two-part conversation with Jennifer Kirmes and Etai Mizrav where they discuss the Illinois State Board of Education's component approach to the state's educator shortage issue. Jennifer is the Executive Director in the office of Teaching & Learning at the Illinois State Board of Education. Etai is a researcher and consultant to school systems on issues of educational inequality. Both can be reached through email. Jennifer Kirmes' email is JKIRMES@isbe.net and Etai Mizrav's email is etai@hey.com.


 







WGO in Illinois with Jennifer Kirmes and Etai Mizrav - Part 2

Release Date: March 21, 2023

In this episode we continue our conversation with Jennifer Kirmes and Etai Mizrav where they discuss the Illinois State Board of Education's component approach to the state's educator shortage issue. Jennifer is the Executive Director in the office of Teaching & Learning at the Illinois State Board of Education. Etai is a researcher and consultant to school systems on issues of educational inequality. Both can be reached through email. Jennifer Kirmes' email is JKIRMES@isbe.net and Etai Mizrav's email is etai@hey.com.


 







What‘s Going On in Utah with Jennifer Throndsen around K-3 Reading

Release Date: April 11, 2023

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Throndsen, the Director of Teaching and Learning at the Utah State Board of Education, discusses Utah’s work to provide additional support and raise expectations for K-3 reading. Dr. Throndsen can be reached through email at Jennifer.Throndsen@schools.utah.gov.








What’s Going On at the NASDTEC 94th Annual Conference with Catherine Slagle and Tony Rosilez

Release Date: April 25, 2023

In this episode, Tony Rosilez, NASDTEC Vice President and Annual Conference Planning Committee Chair, and Catherine Slagle, NASDTEC Development Coordinator, share with listeners what to expected at the upcoming 94th Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

Season 3 of What's Going On... starts September 12, 2023.

Season 4 of What's Going On... starts September 10, 2024.








What‘s Going On at NASDTEC with New Staff

Release Date: September 10, 2024

In the first episode of season four of What's Going On, we talk with three new NASDTEC staff members to find out more about their new roles and work. The guests are Lynn Hammonds, Legislative Update Coordinator, Catherine Slagle, Professional Practices and Educator Conduct Coordinator, and Susan Pinson, Professional Learning Coordinator..


 







What‘s Going On at the National Council for the Advancement of Educator Ethics with Callie Marksbary and Anne Marie Fenton

Release Date: September 24, 2024

In this episode, we talk with Callie Marksbary, an elementary educator in Lafayette, Indiana, and the chair of the National Council for the Advancement of Educator Ethics. Also joining us is Anne Marie Fenton, the Facilitator for the Council. They discuss what the Council is, its current and future work.


 







What‘s Going On with Emily Bogus' Research "Is Mobility the Missing Piece?"

Release Date: October 8, 2024

In this episode, Emily Bogus discusses her doctoral research on teacher mobility and how it may relate to the teacher shortage. Dr. Bogus also presented this research at the 2024 NASDTEC Annual Conference. Members of NASDTEC can see that presentation in the NASDTEC Encore Series.


 







What‘s Going On with AI at Moreland University with Joseph Pearson

Release Date: October 22, 2024

In this episode, Joseph A. Pearson, the Head of Community at Moreland University, discusses his work with school districts to create innovative and responsive pathways for teacher certification and professional development.


 







What's Going On at the Men of Color in Educational Leadership with Harrison Peters and Steve Gering

Release Date: November 5, 2024

In this episode, we talk with Harrison Peters and Steve Gering from the Men of Color in Educational Leadership (MCEL). Educational leaders of color have expressed an urgent need for tools, professional development, and support specific to their experiences navigating our schools as people of color. Harrison, the CEO, and Steve, a co-founder, explain how MCEL works to address this need.


 







What‘s Going On with Christopher Clayton at the PA State Education Agency

Release Date: November 19, 2024

In this episode, Christopher Clayton, Director of Education Services for the Profession & Pipeline in the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) discusses PSEA's work on effective approaches to help build a more diverse and sustainable educator pipeline.


 







What‘s Going On at WestEd with Saroja Warner

Release Date: December 3, 2024

In the episode, Dr. Saroja Warner, the Senior Director of Culturally Responsive Systems at WestEd, talks about work related to diversifying the education workforce. Dr. Warner co-presented at the 2024 NASDTEC Annual Conference with Sheriff El-Mekki. NASDTEC members can view their presentation in the Encore Series to learn more.


 







What‘s Going On at NCTQ with Hannah Putman

Release Date: December 17, 2024

In this episode, Hannah Putman, Managing Director of Research at the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), discusses NCTQ's Clinical Practices Framework which identifies the focus areas that make for strong clinical practice, and lays out actions for states, districts, and prep programs to take in each area.


 







What‘s Going On with the 2024 NASDTEC Forward Fund Recipeints

Release Date: January 7, 2025

In this episode, we talk with three of the 2024 NASDTEC forward fund recipients about the work they are doing in their classrooms. Kylie Altier teachers 1st grade at McKinley Elementary School, in Baton Rouge, LA, Laura Jeanne Penrod teaches high school English at the Southwest Career and Technical Academy, in Clark County School District, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Frank Hughes teaches Special Education and Adapted Physical Education at John G. Leach School in New Castle, DE.


 







What‘s Going On at KnowledgeWorks with Jason Swanson

Release Date: January 21, 2025

In this episode, Jason Swanson, the Senior Director of Strategic Foresight from KnowledgeWorks talks about his work with exploring the future and what that may mean for education and educator preparation.


 







What‘s Going On in the Legislative Landscape with Lynn Hammonds

Release Date: February 4, 2025

In this episode, Dr. Lynn Hammonds, NASDTEC Legislative Update Coordinators gives and overview of legislative bills of interest that have been filed in various states this legislative session.


 







What‘s Going On at Nebraska on their Investigative Training with Brytten Sorgenfrei

Release Date: February 18, 2025

In this episode, Brytten Sorgenfrei, an investigator in the Office of Legal Services with the Nebraska Department of Education shares how they train local school districts to conduct investigative trainings.


 







What‘s Going On at the Kentucky Department of Education Restorative Practices Approach with Norah Softic

Release Date: March 4, 2025

In this episode, Norah Softic, Deputy General Counsel in the Kentucky Department of Education Office of Legal Services, discusses the office's work with educator conduct, investigations, administrative actions and restorative practices.


 







What‘s Going On with Student Suicidal Ideation and the Role of Student Service Personnel with Dr. Carolyn Stone Part 1

Release Date: March 18, 2025

In this two part podcast, Dr. Carolyn Stone, Professor Emeritus at the University of North Florida, discusses suicidal ideation and the role of student services personnel and the impossible situations in which they are placed. Dr. Stone further discusses how we can change the current practices to protect students and personnel.


 







What‘s Going On with Student Suicidal Ideation and the Role of Student Service Personnel with Dr. Carolyn Stone Part 2

Release Date: April 1, 2025

In this two part podcast, Dr. Carolyn Stone, Professor Emeritus at the University of North Florida, discusses suicidal ideation and the role of student services personnel and the impossible situations in which they are placed. Dr. Stone further discusses how we can change the current practices to protect students and personnel.


 







What‘s Going On at NASDTEC's 96th Annual Conference

Release Date: April 15, 2025

In this episode, Shavon Harris from Alabama, NASDTEC's Vice President and Chair of the Annual Conference Planning Committee, joins Susan Pinson, the NASTDEC Professional Learning Coordinator, and Aimee Green-Webb, the Development Coordinator for NASDTEC, to discuss what participants can expect at the 2025 Annual Conference.

Season 5 of What's Going On... starts September 16, 2025.








What‘s Going On with John Arthur and How to Communicator and Collaborate with Policy Makers

Release Date: September 16, 2025

In the first episode of season five of What's Going On, John Arthur, Utah's 2021 Teacher of the Year discusses working and collaborating with policymakers to improve education for all students.








What‘s Going On with Dr. Nason Lollar hosted by Dr. Troy Hutchings Part 1

Release Date: September 30, 2025

In this first part of a two-part podcast, Nason Lollar, a twenty-five years in the field of education, discusses his experiences and work with Troy Hutchings, our guest podcast host. Dr. Lollar shares experiences from his first book, The Five Principles of Educator Professionalism.








What‘s Going On with Dr. Nason Lollar hosted by Dr. Troy Hutchings Part 2

Release Date: October 14, 2025

In this second episode of a two-part podcast, Nason Lollar, a twenty-five years in the field of education, and Troy Hutchings conclude their discussion on Dr. Lollar experiences and work.








What's Going On to Reduce Costs Associated with Teacher Certification Exams

Release Date: October 28, 2025

In this episode, Heather Klesch and Lynn Hammonds discuss how states are implementing innovative funding models aimed at reducing or eliminating the costs associated with teacher certification exams. These efforts represent a strategic investment in the educator pipeline, helping to ensure that all qualified individuals, regardless of financial means, can pursue a career in teaching.








What‘s Going On in Arizona with Educator Recruitment and Retention

Release Date: November 11, 2025

In this episode, Jamie Wilbur, Eric Brooks, and Will Ambos, discuss Arizona's work in educator recruitment and retention.








What's Going On at Texas A&M Concerning Induction Programs Research

Release Date: November 25, 2025

In this episode, Kathy Ogden Macfarlane and Dr. Andrew Kwok, discuss their research concerning evidence-based practices for teacher induction programs and practices to avoid during implementation.








What‘s Going On in Utah with the APPEL Program

Release Date: December 9, 2025

In this episode, Malia Hite, Jennifer Prince, and Lisa McLachlan, discuss Utah's Alternate Pathway to Professional Educator License (APPEL). APPEL programs are administered by local school districts, charter schools, or the Board, and prepare individuals to meet the requirements for a Utah professional license or license area of concentration.